Welcome

I begin this blog with the word "welcome" I guess because it just seems to be the most appropriate thing to say. The word is defined as: "A word of kindly greeting, as to one whose arrival gives pleasure: as in 'Welcome, stranger!'" And it certainly is a pleasure to welcome you to my blog.

I was thinking that this word would be an appropriate one for more than one reason. I welcome you for choosing to log into this blog. I appreciate your stopping by. I also welcome some of you because you've welcomed me by choosing to allow me to serve as the pastor of Calvary...for a season. Furthermore, I welcome you because, over the years, many of you have welcomed me into your hearts and homes. Finally, I welcome you because I consider it a real privilege to share my thoughts and musings with you.

You may be wondering what to expect from this site. I wish that I could boast that you will read something really profound that will impact your life and give you the keys to happiness. Alas, I cannot. The reason? Well, because apart from the amazing grace of God that saves and keeps me there is nothing really profound about me.

Nevertheless, as you log in to read some of my thoughts and observations about everything from listening to music to something as simple as shopping at Wal-mart, perhaps something will resonate with you.

Over time, may my words reveal the heart and mind of a man who is profoundly overwhelmed by God's unmerited favor towards him (me). I am simply blown away by the fact that, in spite of my failures and utter deficiencies, he continues to put up with me. Wow! What a love!

Not that I have an awful lot to say but please log in from time to time to see what's on my heart and what's on my mind. I look forward to seeing you in church.

PS: when you get time I thought that you might enjoy reading what I wrote several months ago, right after the church voted to call me to be the 8th pastor of Calvary. It's in an earlier blog. You can find it below or through our web site.

In Christ Alone,

Victor

Post CBC Vote for Sr. Pastor

It’s done. After what seemed like an eternity, the congregational votes were cast to answer the elders recommendation to call Victor Stanley as the 8th Sr. Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church. They were cast on last Sunday, Feb. 24. Not only did I get voted in as SP, but I also received a standing ovation as I stepped up on the platform to express my thanks . I fully did not expect that. Wow! Some folks even wept with joy…or with terror? Not sure which. Ha!

What a roller coaster the last several weeks have been. Both Cynthia and I feel exhausted. I am now heading up a search committee to begin searching for a pastor of worship to replace me.

Our current/former Sr. Pastor, Alfy, is busily sending out resumes to find another church to pastor. The guy has served faithfully for 14 plus years. He is my friend and brother and Cynthia and I are praying he soon finds God's perfect place for him and Karen.

So I am planning my preaching schedule and meeting with elders and my colleague and ministry partner, Randy Scott, in order to cast the vision, lay out a plan for the future of Calvary and explain my strategy for achieving our goals. I am also praying for God's guidance as I contemplate our multimillion dollar capital fund raising campaign. I don’t fear the fund raiser though. I just believe that if our people catch the vision and serve faithfully, God will honor that and give an increase. We are already contracted to purchase land in a new development near the Potomac River harbor and I'm excited when I think about seeing how God will bring that to fruition.

Needless to say, I could use your prayers. I intend to use this Blog to keep you updated on what is happening at CBC, as well as just letting you know what's on my mind. I'm confident that God can use me (and you. "We") to take Calvary to the next level of life and ministry.

"Self-confidence is the first requisite to great undertakings."
Samuel Johnson

God Bless!

From The Heart and Mind of Victor